Night Raid Less Intense

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 259, 1 November 1940, Page 7

Night Raid Less Intense

Earliest All-clear for Some Days BRIEF BATTLE DURING DAY United Press Association—By ElectrJe Telegraph—CopjTlght. Received Friday, 1 a.m. LONDON, Oct. 31. The night raid was less intense than previously. There was only occasional bombing after the first hour, with long quiet periods. The all-clear was the earliest for some days. Strong forces of enemy pianos attempted to cross the south coast during the day, but R.A.F. fighters closed in. A brief battle followed, after which many planes were heard returning across the coast. Only one alarm was sounded in London this morning. Some details of the day’s fighting are contained in an Air Ministry communique, which states: “Reports received up to 5 p.m. show that seven enemy aircraft wero destroyed to-day. Four of our fighters are missing.” Reports received up to 3.30 p.m. show that seven enemy aircraft were destroyed to-day. Four of our fighters are missing.” Reports received up to 3.30 p.m. show that a number of small enemy aircraft formations crossed the south-east coast to-day without penetrating far inland, states an official communique. A few bombs were dropped, but little damage was caused and there were few casualties, Tuesday night’s attacks were mainly directed at the south-east area of England, including London. Incendiary bombs started fires in two Midland towns, but all were quickly brought under control. Some houses were destroyed and commercial premises and other buildings damaged, but the number of casualties in all areas was small, though there were several deaths.

A bomb directly hit a Catholic church on the outskirts of London, and everything, including vestments and the sacrament was destroyed. An incendiary bomb penetrated the roof of a cinema, falling near the screen while the show was in progress. The staff extinguished the bomb while the audience remained in their seats. A bomb hit a block of flats. Fifty people who were sheltering on the ground floor were unhurt, but those on the first floor were buried up to their neck in debris, and two were killed.